Launch of 'docomo Starlink Direct', a Direct Communication Service Between Starlink Satellites and Smartphones, Starting April 27
NTT DOCOMO will launch 'docomo Starlink Direct' on April 27, allowing smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites, available for free initially to 22 million users.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 2, 2026 at 19:37
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 05:43 (442h 5m after Collected)
NTT DOCOMO, INC. (hereinafter DOCOMO) will launch "docomo Starlink Direct" (hereinafter this service), a direct communication service between satellites and smartphones utilizing the satellite communication service "Starlink Mobile" provided by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (hereinafter SpaceX), on Monday, April 27, 2026, aiming to realize a network that "connects anytime, anywhere". Concurrently with the launch of this service, NTT Communications Corporation (now NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS) will start handling it for corporate customers.
This service will be available free of charge for the time being and without any application required for approximately 22 million customers*1 subscribed to all rate plans, including "ahamo"*2*3. Please note that to use this service, a compatible device, an update to the latest software*4, and a DOCOMO UIM card or eSIM compatible with this service*5 are required.
By using this service, you can check the weather, maps, and your location even in environments where communication was previously unavailable, such as mountainous areas, remote islands, and at sea*6. In addition, it allows you to secure a means of communication with your family in the event of a disaster. Please check the attachment for details such as compatible devices and compatible apps.
Through this service, DOCOMO and NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS will strive to realize a network that "connects anytime, anywhere" and contribute to the safety, security, and improved convenience of society.
*1 The number of customers using compatible devices among those subscribed to DOCOMO's rate plans (as of the end of February 2026).
*2 If the provision conditions change, we will inform you on the "DOCOMO Website", etc. In addition, SMS transmission fees using this service will be provided free of charge for the time being. Furthermore, for the time being, data communication will not be counted toward the data volume consumption of the subscribed rate plan.
*3 It can be used outdoors without obstacles, except under DOCOMO's 4G/5G area or Wi-Fi connection conditions.
*4 For details on the latest software compatible with this service, please check the "Service Page".
*5 This service may not be available with some DOCOMO UIM cards. For details such as how to exchange for a DOCOMO UIM card compatible with this service, please check the "Service Page".
This service will be available free of charge for the time being and without any application required for approximately 22 million customers*1 subscribed to all rate plans, including "ahamo"*2*3. Please note that to use this service, a compatible device, an update to the latest software*4, and a DOCOMO UIM card or eSIM compatible with this service*5 are required.
By using this service, you can check the weather, maps, and your location even in environments where communication was previously unavailable, such as mountainous areas, remote islands, and at sea*6. In addition, it allows you to secure a means of communication with your family in the event of a disaster. Please check the attachment for details such as compatible devices and compatible apps.
Through this service, DOCOMO and NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS will strive to realize a network that "connects anytime, anywhere" and contribute to the safety, security, and improved convenience of society.
*1 The number of customers using compatible devices among those subscribed to DOCOMO's rate plans (as of the end of February 2026).
*2 If the provision conditions change, we will inform you on the "DOCOMO Website", etc. In addition, SMS transmission fees using this service will be provided free of charge for the time being. Furthermore, for the time being, data communication will not be counted toward the data volume consumption of the subscribed rate plan.
*3 It can be used outdoors without obstacles, except under DOCOMO's 4G/5G area or Wi-Fi connection conditions.
*4 For details on the latest software compatible with this service, please check the "Service Page".
*5 This service may not be available with some DOCOMO UIM cards. For details such as how to exchange for a DOCOMO UIM card compatible with this service, please check the "Service Page".